Effects of Spiritual Abuse

The trust that many people place in spiritual leaders is solid and deep. People often turn to spiritual leaders in times of weakness or vulnerability so that trust is expected to be protected. When this trust is betrayed, the wounds can run so deep that some may not be able to open up to spiritual leaders again, even highly respected legitimate ones (Henke, 1996). Abuse of any kind has lasting effects on the victim and spiritual abuse is no different. Many who have experienced spiritual abuse will have a difficult time putting to words their experience but it leaves many questioning themselves, who they are and what they believe (Oakley & Oakley, 2006). It can be a difficult and confusing time, especially since there is a serious lack of literature and resources available on spiritual abuse.

Spiritual Abuse Takes An Emotional Toll

Spiritual abuse is an experience equivalent bereavement where many of the emotional experienced would be related the loss felt by the victim (Oakley & Oakley, 2006). Some of compared the experience as similar to those who have experienced incest as the betrayal of trust from an authority figure runs just as deep (Henke, 1996). No matter what experience it gets compared to, there is no arguing that spiritual abuse takes an emotional toll. There is a full spectrum of emotions that someone recovering from spiritual abuse may encounter

• Spontaneous crying (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Some people who have experienced it have experienced thoughts and feelings of self harm and self degradation (Grimes, 2014).
• Sense of loss (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Fear of retribution or loss of salvation due to disobedience (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Feelings of emotional isolation (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Anger or distrust towards spiritual Deity (Henke, 1996)
• Fear of evil influences without protection from the group/spiritual leader (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Excessive concern over the importance of minor rules (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Unwarranted guilt (Cult Awareness, 2014)
• Feelings of disappointment (Oakley & Oakley, 2006)
• Grief (Milligan, 2008)

Break the Silence on Spiritual Abuse

The effects of spiritual abuse can undermine the trust in all relationships and lead to feelings of desolation. Be vigilant and keep your eyes open on the signs of spiritual abuse. Don't be afraid to break the silence and access the support networks for recovery or offering additional supports. There is much more we can learn about spiritual abuse and more we can do to provide recovery options for survivors.